John T. Reed

John Tommie Reed, 77, of the "Y" Community near Rison, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday afternoon, November 20, 2015.

He was born June 6, 1938 in White Oaks Bluff just north of Rison, AR to Tommie and Ollie Reed. After graduating from Rison High School in 1957, he served our county in the United States Army. When he returned home, he began his working career in forestry management. While he enjoyed his outdoor jobs he was always compelled to serve his community and he did just that. Throughout his life, he served Cleveland County in a variety of capacities: deputy sheriff, county probation officer, EMT ambulance worker, County and Circuit Clerk, Coroner and his working career culminated as an employee of Buie Funeral Home and Justice of the Peace. He was currently serving as a member of the Cleveland County Rural Water Association. He was a member and served as a deacon at Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church where he attended since childhood.

John was once quoted saying, "My mama and daddy taught me from day one to try and help somebody every day and I could never be any happier than if I left this old world saying that I did everything I could to help somebody."

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jay and Wesley Reed. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Jordan Reed of Rison; son John Wesley Reed (Kelly) and their son Jacob of Maumelle, AR; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Tate, (John) and their sons Austin and Michael of Conway, AR; three sisters, Eathel Meeks and Ann Whittington of Rison and Opal Kimbrell (Connie) of Hot Springs, AR; and a host of other family members and friends.

Pallbearers are his long-time friends Darran Kea, Joe Rauls, son-in-law John Tate, and grandsons, Austin Tate, Jacob Reed and Michael Tate. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department.

Visitation will be on Monday from 6:00 - 8:00 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Funeral services will be on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at the Bethel #1 Baptist Church with Brothers Jackie Richardson and John Fulmer officiating. Burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison.